Johnny Jet, in conjunction with Tourism and Events Queensland, is sponsoring an incredible contest that asks what a travel blogger would do with 5 days in Queensland. At first my mind boggled because there’s SO MUCH there, but I finally narrowed down my list to 5 spectacular moments:

Day 1: Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
After finally figuring out that a faulty facemask was the reason I never quite got the hang of snorkeling, I replaced it and promptly fell in love with swimming amongst entertaining, colorful fish. It’s like being in a giant, natural aquarium!

Day 2: Take the Skyrail in Cairns
On the second day, I’d head over to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This 7 ½ kms experience (about 4.7 miles) ferries travelers high above the treetops in glass-paneled gondolas.

As a thrill ride junkie, I’d welcome the chance to soar across this scenic vista. Although the attraction promises to be calmer than a coaster, I’m sure the height (along with the spectacular sites) will provide plenty of thrills.

Day 3: Catch a Coaster at Dreamworld
Speaking of my all-consuming love of rollercoasters, I’d love to spend half a day at this themepark on the Gold Coast to see how their rides such as Pandamonium and Buzzsaw compare.

The afternoon would be spent at the park’s Tiger Cub Walk Experience, which includes up-close-and-personal time with their playful cubs.

Day 4: Hug a Koala
Next, I’d sign up for a VIP adventure at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane – which is home to more than 130 koalas, as well as kangaroos, kookaburras, endangered wombats, a platypus, and even a Tasmanian devil. (Disclaimer: I may or may not have a tattoo of this particular animal. )

Photo courtesy of Wiki for Kids

But the highlight is the koala area. I’ve been lucky to visit other sanctuaries where I’ve helped feed giraffes and elephants, and even got nuzzled once by a lioness. But none seemed quite as cuddly as the residents of this locale. Sign me up for cuddling those koalas, please!

Day 5: Go Fossicking (Looking for Gems) with a Twitter Friend
I’d never heard of this Australian past-time, but a twitter friend from Queensland said that prospecting (or fossicking) for gold and precious stones is not to be missed. There are even townships with names like Sapphire and Rubyvale in the Gemfields region.

By the way, I became good friends with this acquaintance and her family through our dogs, who have “accounts” on twitter. Several years ago, when I let her know that mine (Dakota) was going into the kennel while I went out of town, she sent me a picture story called “An American Doggie in Queensland” – showing that Dakota actually went visiting!

It seems only right that if my dog has already “visited” Queensland, that I should too.